by Claudia Puig, USA TODAY

by Claudia Puig, USA TODAY

Montana Moore ignores federal regulations, bypasses airport security and does everything short of joining the mile-high club in her quest to land a husband in 30 days.

No matter that she may end up on a most-wanted list. She must find a guy to put a ring on it before her kid sister sails off into the sunset with her new groom.

That's the contrived premise at the heart of Baggage Claim (** out of four; rated PG-13; opens Friday nationwide).

The movie, which stars Paula Patton as Montana, a lovelorn flight attendant, has some laughs. It would have worked better if the silly premise had been played for farcical satire, rather than following the cookie-cutter rules of the romantic comedy playbook.

Montana begins her journey by explaining: "My relationships have never been cleared for takeoff."

But she takes to the friendly skies anyway. Montana spends a lot of time tearing through airports in her zeal to land a husband.

Far-fetched shenanigans abound. The lovely Montana is 30 and her little sister Sheree (Lauren London) is a sophomore in college and newly engaged. Their mother (Jenifer Lewis) has been married five times, so one might expect her daughters to be a little hesitant to rush to the altar.

But the race is on for Montana to find a fiancé before the rehearsal dinner.

Her fellow flight attendant buddy Sam (Adam Brody) abets her single-minded focus by devising a nutty plan: Re-visit past boyfriends over the course of a month by arranging to be on their flights. Sparks could re-ignite. Somebody might surface as the one that got away. Flight attendant gal pal Gail (Jill Scott) has a bit more sense, initially dismissing the scheme. But she eventually comes around and helps arrange - through their network of airline desk agents, security folks and skycap friends - to get their girl on the appointed flights. The pair make endearing sidekicks with deft comic timing.

Initially we're told Montana is picky. When she re-connects with these old flames, her high standards kick into place again.

There's the two-timing record producer (Trey Songz), the aspiring senator (Taye Diggs) seeking the perfect politician's wife, and the dashing hotelier (Djimon Hounsou) looking for a pal with whom to globe-trot.

The movie is not without its charms, chiefly because of the likability and chemistry of its stars, Patton and Derek Luke as her childhood pal William. He's the best friend who has been under her nose for years. Anyone who's even half sentient can see they were meant for each other. Conveniently enough, William's last name is Wright. As in Mr.

Patton has undeniable star quality. Her comic talent, particularly with physical gags, is as evident as her action-star abilities in Mission: Impossible III and her dramatic acumen in Precious. She's an appealing romantic comedy star but deserves a more clever vehicle.

Baggage is not a clunker or a heavy lift. Long on predictability and shorter on screwball laughs, it's solidly in middle ground. The story is on fresher turf when it mocks its own conceit.

Those seeking a wittier, more inventive rom-com have a couple of better choices currently in theaters - Enough Said and Don Jon.

Baggage is the kind of fare best watched on a small screen during a cross-country flight en route to a relaxing getaway.